"Western governments have accused Vladimir Putin's administration of relying on a network of ageing oil tankers operating under opaque ownership structures to bypass energy sanctions imposed after Russia invaded Ukraine. Estimates from maritime analysts suggest the shadow fleet could number several hundred vessels globally, many of which transit European waters each month carrying discounted Russian crude to buyers in Asia and elsewhere."
"Security analysts warn that tighter enforcement of sanctions - including the potential for inspections, detentions or vessel redirection - could increase the risk of confrontation. While the UK has the authority to act against sanctioned vessels entering its territorial waters, most shadow-fleet tankers transit through international shipping corridors, where intervention is legally complex."
"The English Channel carries roughly 500 vessels a day, including container ships, tankers, ferries and naval vessels. Any miscalculation involving naval escorts, commercial ships or maritime enforcement authorities could escalate rapidly. Defence observers note that Russia has previously deployed naval assets to shadow Western vessels in contested waters."
The Royal Navy is tracking increased maritime activity from Russia's shadow fleet—ageing oil tankers with obscured ownership structures used to circumvent energy sanctions. Maritime analysts estimate several hundred such vessels operate globally, many transiting European waters monthly with discounted Russian crude destined for Asian markets. Western governments accuse Putin's administration of orchestrating this network to bypass post-invasion sanctions. Security analysts warn that stricter enforcement through inspections, detentions, or vessel redirection risks confrontation. While the UK has authority over sanctioned vessels in territorial waters, most shadow-fleet tankers navigate international shipping corridors where legal intervention is complex. The English Channel's 500 daily vessels create escalation risks if naval escorts or enforcement authorities miscalculate interactions.
#russia-shadow-fleet #sanctions-enforcement #maritime-security #english-channel #geopolitical-tensions
Read at London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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